When moving into a new neighborhood, it’s a good idea to have some chocolate sugar cookies ready to break the ice.
Text And Photo By Brady Evans
My husband and I are new to our neighborhood. I don’t think most people pay much attention to those moving in and out of the area most of the time. We, however, came in with two very significant additions to the neighborhood. 
We are the only ones in our neighborhood who own horses and since the neighborhood streets surround our farm on four sides, everyone is aware of the huge, new additions to the landscape. Needless to say, we may not know everyone in the neighborhood, but everyone knows us. Or the horses.
So, we were invited to a neighborhood wide Memorial Day party and naturally I thought it was appropriate to bring a dish to share. I chose a dessert because they are crowd pleasers. Moreover, sugar cookies allowed me to customize the shapes so that there was no doubt who showed up with them!
I encourage you all to use sugar cookies as a method for conveying your personalities as well.
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Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These chocolate sugar cookies are rich and brownie-like, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat to welcome new neighbors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (710 mL) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup (225 g) lightly salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (355 mL) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are great for customizing with different shapes to suit any occasion.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- You can substitute unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt if desired.
- Perfect for making a memorable impression at gatherings.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 25
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe include cocoa powder in what are labeled sugar cookies?
The recipe adds 2/3 cup (160 ml) of cocoa powder to the standard sugar cookie base of butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder — turning a classic cut-out cookie into a chocolate version. The cocoa gives the dough a rich color and flavor while keeping the roll-and-cut structure that makes these ideal for custom shapes with cookie cutters.
How long do the baked cookies keep?
The notes say to store them in an airtight container for up to a week. The recipe bakes 24 cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, and the edges should be set with centers still slightly soft when they come out — they firm up as they cool on the rack.
